B. Umashankar

Senior Carnatic Vocal Teacher

Raaga School of Music

Vidwan Dr. B.Umashankar is a renowned international Carnatic Vocalist, a music teacher, composer, music director, publisher, research scholar, and an event organizer. He is a disciple of Needamangalam (late) V.V.Subramaniam, 'Sangeetha Kalanidhi' Bombay sisters Smt. C.Saroja and Smt. C.Lalitha. He holds a degree in commerce, and a Master's degree in Indian music. He is qualified as Lecturer in Indian Music by UGC - University Grants Commission. He has performed in USA, Canada, UK., France, Singapore, Nepal, Srilanka for his Music concerts, dance arangetrams, music workshops, LEC demonstrations, and is a regular performer at popular music festivals in Chennai and all over India for over 30 years. He has worked with several great international Bharathanatyam dancers including Adyar Sri. K. Lakshmanan, Smt. Chitra Visweswaran and many others, by singing and composing music, and penning lyrics for their dance programs. He also sings for Kuchpudi dance programs.He has composed music and tune for:Bharathiyin Shanmatham - dance ballet by Dr.Vijay madhavanKoalaru Thirupathigam- dance balletNamashivaya Vaazhga - dance balletAbirami Arul - Dance ballet by Padma Shri Chitra VisweswaranHe has penned lyrics and directed music for:Guruve Thunai - dance balletRamanin Kathai - dance balletHe composed music and tuned 13 Marathi abhangs for Vittala Dharshana - a unique Music Drama by Tapas productions.He tuned more than 100 rare compositions of  Purandaradasa, Muthuthandavar, Maarimuttha Pillai, Bharathiar, Annamayya, Abhangs, Bhajans, Divyaprabandam, etc. in beautiful ragas.He is conferred with many titles includingAasthana Vidwan of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Gaana Kala Sironmami, Baala Rathna, Gaana Varshaa, Aasthaana vidwan of Bilaspur Sri chakra Mahameru Peetam,Sangeetha Guru Sironmami, Sangeetha bhakthi pracharakaa, Isai Thendral, Naadha Kalanidhi, Sangeetha Kala Medha Vilaasa,Gaanamrutha Saagaraa,Sangeetha Vidwath Sironmami, Bodhaka Rathna, amongst others